Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900.

By Paul LaurenceDunbar

1639 A Corn-Song

ON the wide veranda white,

In the purple failing light,

Sits the master while the sun is lowly burning;

And his dreamy thoughts are drowned

In the softly flowing sound

Of the corn-songs of the field-hands slow returning.

Oh, we hoe de co’n

Since de ehly mo’n;

Now de sinkin’ sun

Says de day is done.

O’er the fields with heavy tread,

Light of heart and high of head,

Though the halting steps be labored, slow, and weary;

Still the spirits brave and strong

Find a comforter in song,

And their corn-song rises ever loud and cheery.

Oh, we hoe de co’n

Since de ehly mo’n;

Now de sinkin’ sun

Says de day is done.

To the master in his seat,

Comes the burden, full and sweet,

Of the mellow minor music growing clearer,

As the toilers raise the hymn,

Thro’ the silence dusk and dim,

To the cabin’s restful shelter drawing nearer.

Oh, we hoe de co’n

Since de ehly mo’n;

Now de sinkin’ sun

Says de day is done.

And a tear is in the eye

Of the master sitting by,

As he listens to the echoes low-replying,

To the music’s fading calls,

As it faints away and falls

Into silence, deep within the cabin dying.

Oh, we hoe de co’n

Since de ehly mo’n;

Now de sinkin’ sun

Says de day is done.